It is our great pleasure and honor to inform you that our patronage to cultural and artistic undertakings and cooperation with the National Philharmonic brought us the "Benefactor of the Year" title in the years 2004-2007. This recognition is extremely gratifying to us especially that our company is strongly committed to corporate social responsibility.

Citi Handlowy sponsored a concert by the artist of international fame, violin virtuoso, Nigel Kennedy. The concert took place on March 8, 2008 in the National Philharmonic. Nigel Kennedy performed Concerto for Violin in H minor by Edward Elgar together with the W. Lutosławski Philharmonic Orchestra from Wrocław conducted by its Artistic Director - Jacek Kaspszyk. The Orchestra also performed Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor by Johannes Brahms, version for a symphony orchestra by Arnold Schönberg.

Nigel Kennedy and W. Lutosławski Philharmonic Orchestra from Wrocław conducted by Jacek Kaspszyk (photo by Jarosław Deluga-Góra)


Nigel Kennedy and W. Lutosławski Philharmonic Orchestra from Wrocław conducted by Jacek Kaspszyk (photo by Jarosław Deluga-Góra)

On 11 September, Citi Handlowy, as Benefactor of the Year 2007 of the National Philharmonic, sponsored a special concert in celebration of the 75th birthday of one of the best-known and most distinguished Polish composers - Wojciech Kilar. The concert featured the composer's recent works: Magnificat and September Symphony, the latter being a tribute to the victims of 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001.

The Warsaw National Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra and Choir conducted
by Antoni Wit. (photo by Jarosław Deluga-Góra)

 
Wojciech Kilar receives birthday wishes. (photo by Jarosław Deluga-Góra)

As Benefactor of the Year 2007, Citi Handlowy sponsored the symphony concert by a megastar, Chinese pianist Lang Lang. On 23 and 24 February 2007, together with the Warsaw Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit, he performed the most famous piano concertos - F. Chopin's Piano Concerto in E minor and P. Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto in B minor.

 

The Statuette of the Benefactor of the Year 2006 was collected by
Witold Zieliński, Vice-President of the Bank's Management Board.

In December 2006 Citi Handlowy sponsored a concert of Evelyn Glennie, a charismatic Scottish percussionist and composer, who performed with the National Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. The program of the evening included famous variations on "La Folia" by Arcangelo Corelli for marimba and violin, flute concerto in C major by Antonio Vivaldi for vibraphone and orchestra and works by the British composers - Edward Elgar, William Walton and Frank Bridge as well as the soloist's own composition.


Evelyn Glennie's remarkable technique and exceptional musicality combine to enthrall her audiences (photo by Jarosław Deluga-Góra)

Citi Handlowy was a sponsor of an exhibition of aquatic photography, which was displayed on the fence of the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw from 15 August to 15 September 2006. The exhibition called "Big Blue" featured a collection of underwater photographs from the most beautiful diving spots in the world. The underwater phonographs were taken by one of the most talented underwater photographers - Darek Sepioło.

In May 2006 Citi Handlowy sponsored a concert performed by the Orchestra and the Choir of the National Philharmonic under the baton of Jerzy Semkow and soloists: Bożena Harasimowicz - soprano, Ewa Marciniec - alto, Dariusz Stachura - tenor and Romuald Tesarowicz - bass. The program of the concert included Mass C major, op. 86 and V Symphony C minor, op. 67 by Ludwig van Beethoven.